In a bid to curb desert encroachment and land degradation, Sokoto State
Government has banned the practice of felling trees which some use as
firewood for domestic purposes.
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal stated this Monday, at the flag-off of this
year’s tree planting campaign which held at Kawadata, Goronyo LGA of the
state.
According to him, to mitigate the effect of the new policy on rural
dwellers, government will provide modern stoves while encouraging residents
to explore other sources of energy like coal.
Tambuwal also urged residents to cultivate planting of cash trees like gum
Arabic and date palm which he said will not only help in preserving the
environment, but will alleviate poverty and tackle unemployment.
The Governor said growing of trees is both an environmental and spiritual
obligation, adding that Islam encourages planting of trees for the benefit
of communities.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of
Environment, Garba Muhammed Sarkin-Kudu said for this year, a two kilometre
shelter-belt will be established in the three senatorial zones of the state.
He said in addition, the government’s house to house tree planting campaign
has been carried in the 400 housing estates across the state to provide
shelter and serve as windbreak.
The theme for this year’s campaign is sustainable ecosystem restoration.
PHOTO CAPTION: Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal planting a tree to flag-off
the 2015 tree planting campaign in Kawadata, Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State.